October 1, 2026
October 1, 2026
Color Change: 100% (High to Peak Color)
Leaf Drop: Moderate
The fall leaves in Spearfish Canyon continue to show off their peak colors this first weekend of October. A stretch of warm, sunny, and calm weather forecasted in the Northern Black Hills indicates leaf drop will remain low to moderate throughout the weekend.
As you drive along Scenic Byway 14A, watch the eastern Canyon walls from Split Rock to Bridal Veil Falls where layers of golden birch and elm trees curve around the rocky outcrops. Even Botany Bay, which revealed its peak colors two weeks ago, continues to hang on to its copper leaves on the eastern side of the Canyon byway.
If you park at Bridal Veil Falls and linger at the overlook, you will notice that the large cottonwood trees adjacent to the waterfall are just beginning to reveal their fall pigments. Aspen located south of Bridal Veil Falls are shimmering with copper hues as you continue along the Scenic Byway.
Maurice Gulch, a favorite among fly fishermen, has just turned to peak colors late this week. You will see several golden deciduous trees amongst deep conifers surrounding the Intake.
Peak fall colors can also be seen east of the Devil’s Bathtub Parking lot and Homestake Hydro Plant No. 2. Further into the Canyon at Savoy the aspen and birch are still stunningly golden in the Savoy Bowl, with some leaf drop at the higher elevations. Be sure to observe the trees and rock strata around Spearfish Canyon Lodge – breathtaking!
Daylight hours are gradually shortening since last week’s autumnal equinox. Spearfish Canyon shows its foliage colors differently at different times of day. The sun sometimes acts as a spotlight illuminating a canyon peak or a twist of the creek. If you visited the Canyon recently, I encourage you to visit again, perhaps at another time of day. You might be surprised by what you see and experience in a different Spearfish Canyon hour.
